LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
March 7, 2021

TO:
Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
 
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB873 by Collier (Relating to the unlawful restraint of a dog; creating a criminal offense.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would repeal and replace the Health and Safety Code subchapter addressing the unlawful restraint of dogs. A first time offense would be a Class C misdemeanor and any repeat violations would be classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

According to the Office of Court Administration, no significant impact to the state court system is anticipated.

Local Government Impact

According to the Texas Association of Counties, it is anticipated to have no significant fiscal implication to units of local government.

A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.

A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution and confinement could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication.


Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Admin
LBB Staff:
JMc, DKn, CMa, ANe